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general public is appreciating more and more the efforts which have been, and are
being made to spread far and wide a knowledge of the serious nature and grave
after-effects of the venereal diseases.
Pathology
and
bacteriology

The continued use made by medical practitioners of the facilities for the
examination of pathological specimens is highly satisfactory.
Under the Scheme, medical practitioners who fulfil certain conditions are entitled
to free supplies of the approved arsenobenzene preparations for the treatment of
their private patients. The number of medical practitioners availing themselves
of this service is now 473 compared with 108 at the end of 1917, the first year of
the operation of the Scheme.
Venereal
disease;
hostel
accommodation.
From the outset the necessity was recognised tor accommodation where young
women under treatment could be lodged during the period of infectivity. Certain
hostels managed by or independently of hospitals have received grants in aid for
this purpose, and experience has proved the value of these hostels for the more
efficient treatment of certain cases and for preventing the spread of disease. During
the year 1929, the number of patients dealt with at these institutions from the
areas in the scheme was 249, the aggregate number of days in residence being 26,525.
Comparative figures for 1928 were 235 and 23,377.
Rescue
homes.
The desirability of maintaining treatment and observation of girls and women
for whom residence in hostels has been provided during the acute stages of venereal
disease, engaged the attention of the Public Health Committee cf the Council during
the year 1928. As a result, arrangements were made with the authorities of certain
Rescue Homes providing vocational training in domestic and other work, to receive
young women and girls who had been certified by the medical officer of a clinic,
that although requiring continued treatment and observation, they could reside in
any institution without danger to other residents. These arrangements were
completed in the autumn of 1928 but have, unfortunately, not been utilised to the
extent anticipated despite several circular letters to V.D. clinics and hostels. During
the year 1929 only four of the eleven beds available were occupied. The total number
of days residence was 918.
Tuberculosis
dispensary
service.
The Council's Anti-Tuberculosis Scheme.
Detailed information has been furnished by the metropolitan borough councils
as to the work of the tuberculosis dispensaries, including particulars as to the
numbers of new cases and "contacts" examined, and the number of home visits,
etc. The information is summarised in the table on pages 36 and 37.
An investigation has been made into the after-histories after a period of five
years, of adult and child patients treated in residential institutions during the year
1923.
Afterhistories
of
tuberculous
patients.